101
this there will naturally be much divergence of view,
but I am bound to state that so far as my opportun-
ities of judging extend, there is a balance of well
considered opinion in favour of an affirmative answer.
The magnitude of the task is admittedly enormous, but
10 is pointed out that the movement will have the sup-
port of public sentiment and that the authors of the
Regulations whose sincerity is beyond all doubt, are
de Lermined to see them carried into effect.
Already,
present.
No provision has been made for procuring
from other sources the large revenue which the State
now derives from opium and although a Chine without
optum would doubtless in time be stronger financially
chan China now 18, still the interval which must
elapse before the reformation is accomplished is one
which will impose a severe strain upon the public
exchequer and which will call for the elaboration of
financial measures beforehand.
I am told by Missionaries and others who come into
datly contact with the people, tha a tendency is
observable amongst opium smokers to break off the
habi and that remedies are in great demand at the
foreign hospitals. This may, of course, be merely a
temporary response to the Imperial dict, but a great
awakening is going on in this country and much of
what is happening now makes one cautious in induig-
ing in any prophecy as to what may be effected in
the future.
It remains to note one important omission in
the opium arrangements so far as they are known at
present.
I have &c.,
(Signed)
J. N. Jordan.
5.